Cedar Falls Trail

Overview

This is the park’s quick-hit waterfall walk: a roughly 0.5‑mile loop to Cedar Falls, a 50‑foot cascade dropping over layers of Blackhand sandstone in the Queer Creek gorge. Expect a short but gorgeous dose of shady forest, bridges, boardwalks, and sculpted rock. The route is signed as one‑way, which helps keep traffic flowing on busy days.

Geology and history

You’re walking through time carved in stone. Over 330 million years ago this area lay beneath an ancient sea; sand and gravel settled into the Blackhand sandstone seen throughout the gorge. Streams and groundwater later chiseled today’s cliffs, recesses, and the falls themselves. Early settlers misidentified the surrounding hemlocks as cedars—hence the name.

Route and difficulty

From the parking area, descend stairways and a dirt path into the gorge, follow signed bridges and a short boardwalk to the base of the falls, then climb a final series of steps to close the loop. It’s short, but the steps make it feel moderately strenuous for some. Plan about 30–60 minutes total. Elevation gain is modest (~91 feet), but the stair work is concentrated.

What you’ll see

Cedar Falls varies from a thunderous curtain after rains to a delicate veil in drier spells. Along the way, look for narrow rock passages, small cavern-like niches, and the namesake hemlocks shading the trail. The constant cool of the gorge and the sound of Queer Creek make this a pleasant stop even on warm days.

Best time to hike

Flow is best after recent rain and in spring; midsummer often slows to a trickle. Crowds build late morning through afternoon—go early for easier parking, softer light in the gorge, and fewer people. The one‑way system helps, but this is a popular stop.

Logistics and rules

There are three parking lots and on‑site restrooms. The loop is not wheelchair‑ or stroller‑friendly due to numerous steps and uneven rock. Dogs are allowed on leash. Stay on marked trails and do not wade or swim in the creek or pool at the falls.

Nearby options

If you want a longer day, the Grandma Gatewood Trail connects Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. Many hikers pair Cedar Falls with one or both of those marquee sights for a greatest‑hits tour of the gorge.